The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (PKP)—the University of Southern California’s oldest fully interdisciplinary honor society, housed at the USC Libraries—has long challenged its members to live out its motto: "Let the love of learning rule humanity." This spring, financial awards from both the honor society’s national office and its USC chapter are doing just that.
Jashan Grewal, a USC sophomore from Pelham, Alabama, majoring in international relations at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and minoring in legal studies at the USC Gould School of Law, has been awarded a $1,000 Study Abroad Grant from PKP’s national office. Grewal is one of seventy-five students nationwide to receive the award and will use her grant funds to study in Brussels. Established in 2001, the Study Abroad Grant Program supports undergraduates at campuses with PKP chapters as they pursue expanded knowledge in their fields through international study. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic achievement, campus and community service, and the relationship of their travel to their scholarly and professional goals.
Grewal's award is just one of several ways the USC chapter has put PKP's motto into practice. At the May 13 PKP Spring Initiation Ceremony, four USC students were awarded summer scholarships to support research or creative projects over the university's summer break. The four recipients, Katie Fourtner, Susie Liu, Dilan Setiya, and Vera Wang, subsequently responded to questions from USC's Financial Aid office about their experience and the impact of the award on their work. Their responses are reprinted below.
Susie Liu
Why did you choose USC?
I feel like I've always had a special connection with USC. When I was in high school in the Bay Area, I only visited Los Angeles a couple of times, but somehow USC ended up being the campus I visited the most. I honestly never expected to be admitted, so now every time I walk past the red brick buildings and palm trees, I still feel this unique energy from USC, ambitious, warm, and full of life, and that feeling was one of the biggest reasons I chose to come here.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
One of my proudest achievements has been receiving the USC Library Research Award this year. Writing was never something I naturally felt confident in growing up, so I never expected my research to be recognized in that way. My project explored the biological and neurological factors behind risky decision-making, and earning that recognition made me realize that pursuing questions I am genuinely curious about can lead to meaningful academic work.
I would like to tell my scholarship donors....
I would like my scholarship donors to know that their support has helped me grow into opportunities that once felt impossible to me. When I applied to USC, I even wrote in my application essays that I hoped to one day join the Los Angeles Behavioral Economics Laboratory, and this year, through ECON 621 and experimental economics research, that actually became reality. This scholarship has not only supported me financially, but also given me confidence that the ideas and research topics I care deeply about, like how time pressure and framing affect decision-making, are worth pursuing further.
What does the Trojan Family mean to you?
To me, the Trojan Family is the unique energy and closeness that makes USC feel much smaller than it really is. Whether it's football games, casual coffee chats, alumni networking, or everyday interactions on campus, I always feel that Trojans genuinely
want to support each other and stay connected. Through programs like USC JEP, I also realized that being part of the Trojan Family means passing that generosity forward and giving back to the larger community.
How will/has this scholarship impact(ed) your educational goals?
This scholarship has given me more confidence in my academic interests and long-term goals. Before, I often questioned whether my ideas and research interests were truly valuable or worth continuing, but receiving this support felt like meaningful encouragement to keep exploring them further. It has motivated me to continue developing my experimental research ideas and turn them into projects that can make a real impact. Thank you so much!
Vera Wang
Why did you choose USC?
Having grown up in Singapore and New Zealand, two communities where staying close to home is deeply valued, I never thought much about life outside my hometown cities. With my parents' early retirement in mind, I thought of studying overseas as the one time I'd get to live elsewhere. Having never been to America, I chose USC because of my deep love for movies (I was a film reviewer in high school). However, the generosity that USC has shown me, in terms of financial, personal, and professional support, has helped me envision living abroad as part of my longer-term plans.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
As I reflect on my three years at college, I feel fortunate to have discovered my passion for art history and environmentalism. As a student with a diverse background in coding, film, science, and politics, I had switched majors many times before settling on my current one, which I believe perfectly reconciles my interests in a consistently dynamic way. The experiences shared by my peers and professors, all strengthened by the deep Trojan bond which provides a home away from home, have deepened my understanding and enthusiasm for the field.
I would like to tell my scholarship donors....
My varying interests have led me to pursue multiple degree objectives in Environmental Studies, Art History, and Risk Management (Insurance). As an international student, this academic path not only extends my time at the university but also increases the financial burden on my family and me. As such, by funding the travel portion of my research, this scholarship alleviates a portion of these financial pressures and allows me to partially begin repaying my parents for their financial support.
What does the Trojan Family mean to you?
As a first-generation college student, my USC education has helped me feel empowered not only in my own ability to answer the many unknowns of my future career, but also confident that I will have a consistent support network in my fellow Trojans to aid me along the way.
How will/has this scholarship impact(ed) your educational goals?
This scholarship has provided me with more freedom to pursue research without the pressure of finding a student job to fund my travel, so I can focus on building the educational foundation for my future career. As a result, I now also have the freedom to explore my various interests; this comprehensive education will better prepare me for a diverse range of career opportunities and challenges.
Dilan Setiya
Why did you choose USC?
I chose USC because it felt like the perfect place to combine all of my interests, science, research, creativity, and advocacy, into one interdisciplinary education. Ever since I became fascinated by Biology and Chemistry and their ability to improve people's lives, I knew I wanted a university that would allow me to explore both the scientific and human sides of medicine. USC immediately stood out because of its unique Biopharmaceutical Sciences program and the opportunities within the USC School of Pharmacy. I was especially drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the major, where I could study drug discovery, development, and commercialization while also engaging in meaningful research.
One of the moments that solidified my decision was learning about USC's emphasis on undergraduate research and its progressive degree opportunities in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. I could truly envision myself growing here, not only as a student, but as a future researcher and physician. The idea of being surrounded by faculty and students who are equally passionate about innovation and discovery was incredibly exciting to me. USC's collaborative environment made me feel that my curiosity and ambition would be supported rather than limited.
Beyond academics, USC also felt like the right fit because it values creativity, leadership, and service just as much as scholarly achievement. I loved that I could pursue my scientific interests while also exploring creative outlets like the Roski School of Art & Design and engaging in advocacy work. As someone who is deeply passionate about increasing access to STEM and healthcare education, I was inspired by USC's culture of community impact and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The people and atmosphere at USC also played a huge role in my decision. Every interaction I had with students and faculty felt welcoming, motivating, and genuinely supportive. There was a sense that students were encouraged to dream big while uplifting those around them. USC didn't just feel like a university where I would earn a degree, it felt like a place where I could grow into the kind of scientist, physician, and leader I aspire to become.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
My proudest achievement so far has been receiving the USC Phi Kappa Phi (PKP) Scholarship Award for my research on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), after previously being awarded $1,000 in Undergraduate Research Associate Program (URAP) funding to support this project during the Fall and Spring semesters. As a sophomore researcher, having my work recognized through both URAP and PKP has been incredibly meaningful because it validated the effort, persistence, and passion I have invested into this research.
My project focuses on analyzing clinical trials for FTD, specifically examining biomarker qualification, representation in clinical trials, and regulatory challenges surrounding neurodegenerative disease therapies. One of the biggest challenges I faced was managing and organizing a very large and complex dataset compiled from over 30 clinical trials, biomarker studies, and epidemiological reports. There were moments where the sheer amount of information felt overwhelming, especially when trying to identify meaningful patterns across different trial phases, endpoints, and patient demographics.
Another challenge was learning how to critically evaluate scientific literature and regulatory frameworks at a much deeper level than I had before. Since neurodegenerative diseases are highly complex and many biomarkers do not consistently correlate with clinical outcomes, I had to develop patience and resilience while navigating conflicting findings and interpreting difficult data. Balancing this research alongside rigorous coursework and extracurricular commitments also pushed me to improve my time management and organizational skills.
Despite these challenges, this experience helped me grow tremendously as both a student and researcher. It strengthened my critical thinking skills, taught me how to approach problems more independently, and showed me the importance of persistence in scientific research. Most importantly, it confirmed my passion for neuroscience, medicine, and regulatory science, and reinforced my desire to contribute to improving treatments for neurodegenerative diseases in the future.
I would like to tell my scholarship donors....
I would like my scholarship donors to know how deeply grateful I am for their generosity and belief in students like me. Your support has not only helped ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education, but it has also given me the opportunity to fully invest myself in research, service, and academic growth at USC.
As a student passionate about neuroscience, medicine, and healthcare advocacy, I have dedicated much of my time at USC to research on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), a neurodegenerative disease that currently has no FDA-approved disease- modifying treatments. Through this work, I have explored clinical trials, biomarkers, and issues related to equity and representation in research. Receiving support through programs like URAP and now the Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship has allowed me to continue pursuing this research and grow as a scientist and future physician.
Beyond academics, your support has also empowered me to give back to my community. Through my dementia research, I developed a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by patients and their families, which inspired me to work with CareYaya supporting older adults experiencing cognitive decline. I also volunteer with organizations that support underserved populations in Los Angeles and educate others about healthcare accessibility and insurance literacy. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to making healthcare more compassionate, accessible, and equitable for everyone.
Most importantly, your generosity reminds me that there are people who genuinely believe in supporting students' dreams and aspirations. Knowing that others have invested in my future motivates me to work even harder, continue striving for excellence, and one day give back in the same way to future students and communities in need. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact on my journey.
What does the Trojan Family mean to you?
To me, the Trojan Family represents a community that genuinely uplifts and supports one another. One of the most meaningful parts of my experience at USC has been seeing how willing people are to help each other grow, whether academically, professionally, or personally. From upperclassmen mentoring me on research projects and sharing their experiences, to peers constantly encouraging one another, I have felt supported from the moment I arrived at USC.
My experience at USC has shaped me into a more confident, independent, and collaborative person. As a freshman, stepping into research on neurodegenerative diseases initially felt intimidating, but the support of the Trojan Family helped me grow tremendously. Seniors working on different projects were always willing to teach me what they had learned, answer my questions, and guide me through challenges. My professors also went above and beyond to mentor me, not only helping me strengthen my research skills, but also encouraging me to think critically, pursue ambitious goals, and believe in my potential as a future physician-scientist.
USC represents opportunity, collaboration, and lifelong connection to me. The Trojan Family is not just a network, it is a community of people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. Being part of that environment has inspired me to continue
giving back, supporting others, and carrying forward the same spirit of mentorship and encouragement that has shaped my own journey so far.
How will/has this scholarship impact(ed) your educational goals?
This scholarship has had a tremendous impact on my educational goals by allowing me to further pursue regulatory science research, a field I hope to continue exploring throughout my future career in medicine and neuroscience. Through my research on Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), I have become deeply interested in how clinical trials, biomarker validation, and regulatory pathways shape the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. This scholarship has given me the ability to dedicate more time and energy toward that work while balancing rigorous coursework at USC.
Because of this support, I have gained access to opportunities and mentorship that have significantly shaped my academic journey. Through my involvement in research, I have connected with experts in regulatory science, neuroscience, and clinical research who have shared their experiences and guidance with me. I have also met students and mentors who have pursued internships and careers in the field, which has helped me better understand the many pathways within regulatory science and strengthened my confidence in pursuing this area in the future.
What has changed most for me because of this scholarship is my sense of possibility and confidence in my goals. Receiving support and recognition for my research has made me feel more empowered to pursue ambitious opportunities, contribute meaningfully to the scientific community, and continue growing as a future physician-scientist. It has motivated me to keep expanding my research, seek out new learning experiences, and use the opportunities I have been given to make a positive impact through both science and patient care.
Katie Fourtner
Why did you choose USC?
While USC's exceptional academics and beautiful weather initially drew me to California, it is the incredible community I've found here that truly makes it home. Although adjusting to college life took some time, I have found my footing through two wonderful support systems: my sorority sisters, who bring so much joy to my life, and my academic peers, who keep me motivated and focused on my goals. Looking back, I know there couldn't be a more perfect fit for me than USC :)
What is your proudest achievement so far?
My proudest achievement is the immense personal and intellectual growth I've experienced since arriving at USC. Coming from a small, suburban town where my exposure was limited down to the food I ate, moving to Los Angeles has completely expanded my worldview and introduced me to a vibrant array of diverse cultures and cuisines. Academically, I've pushed myself out of my comfort zone by participating in events like the Make-A-Thon, where my team built a medical device in a single weekend. While it is hard to pinpoint just one singular milestone, seeing how much more confident, cultured, and capable I have become is my most rewarding achievement.
I would like to tell my scholarship donors....
Thank you so much for believing in my potential. Coming from a family of business majors, I am the first to carve a path in the sciences. Because my field is so different from what my family knows, it can sometimes be difficult for them to fully understand or envision my goals. Knowing that you see the value in my passion and are willing to invest in my future gives me an incredible boost of confidence when I need it most.
What does the Trojan Family mean to you?
To me, the Trojan Family is far more than just a network. It's a lifelong bond. It means sharing an instant connection and a 'Fight On' with a stranger at an airport or a grocery store. But on a deeper level, it means unconditional support. Whether we are navigating the stress of difficult classes or helping each other through personal challenges and heartbreak, I know that my Trojan Family will always be there for me to lean on <3
How will/has this scholarship impact(ed) your educational goals?
This scholarship helps shape the trajectory of my upcoming summer months. Instead of worrying about how I will cover the cost of rent and groceries, I can now dedicate my full energy to hands-on research this summer (which I love!!). Your support allows me to focus entirely on my academic and professional development without the heavy burden of financial stress.